Genesis 32:22-31 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 32:22-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. Verse 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had.
Verse 24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. Verse 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Verse 26Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." Verse 27So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Verse 28Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." Verse 29Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. Verse 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved." Verse 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
Devotion
Jacob’s story is a mess. As he prepares to meet his brother whom years ago he had deceived, a man comes in the night and wrestles with him. As day appears, at Jacob’s request, the man blesses him with a new name, Israel, which reflects Jacob’s having wrestled with God and humans and persevered.
Who among us hasn’t fought battles in the night, regrets, fears, worries. Aging with its physical decline, often opens a whole new world of such night wrestling. In these hours of wrestling, faith in God’s promises and the blessing of God’s presence may become a companion and ally through our trials. Jacob’s humanness led him to deceptive activity, yet he continued to seek favor and blessing. He continued to strive to be in relationship with family and with God. And he continued to seek God’s ultimate blessing, the gift of God’s presence.
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we give thanks for the blessing of your presence. In the times of greatest joy and reconciliation and in the depth of the times of sorrow, disappointment, and uncertainty may we continually know your presence and turn toward you. Amen.
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